Needing Exercise Encouragement!

[blue_eyes5212]

I just got back from my 3rd Step Aerobics class. I enjoy the class atmosphere but feel so out of shape that I just want to quit. I feel like I could be one of the wolves in the three little pigs! "I huff and I puff....I could probably blow somebodys house in!" HA HA. But seriously, part of me thinks it won't ever get better! I have never been serious about an exercise plan and I want to get below 200 pounds for the first time since I can remember! Has anyone ever been in my shoes? I would love some encouragement!!

 

[taeja71]

Give step aerobics time. There's a lot to remember while you are doing it. Don't be discouraged, be encouraged that you've gone three times. You'll get the hang of it (I can hear you saying to youself ...."eventually" or even "maybe never"). I think repetition of the same move is key. The more reps they do you'll get the move figured out. Have you thought about getting a basic step aerobic dvd/video to work on at home? Don't get me wrong. I'm in no way saying give up the gym, just have some extra practice time at home too.

Hang in there. Don't give up. You've done the hardest part, you've gotten yourself going. You said you've never been serious about an exercise plan. Well, there's no way I could run a marathon w/o proper training. If I did any marathon now I'd kill myself. Take baby steps and work youself up to where you want to be. Don't be so hard on yourself. Keep doing what you are doing and eventually more!

Do you have a WISH buddy yet? Having a partner to prod and encourage you keeps you accountable and moving. It has for me.

Take care and keep WISHing.

**Just an additional thought. Is there more than one step aerobic instructor? Maybe one is more easy going than another? Maybe one does more reps of the same move? You never know maybe another person's style might be better for you.

 

[beckmrk04]

I am in the same boat- (thanks for replying to my earlier post by the way). I decided today that instead of watching the last 1/2 of Dr. Phil I would actually get oof my butt and try my new Tae Bo DVD. I lasted 20 minutes. 20 minutes and I thought I might just die if I kept going. The saddest part of it all was the only thing i completed was the WARM UP!!! But, the way I look at it is, normally I would
have just sat on the couch and watched tv, but instead, today I made an effort, and that counts. Maybe after a couple of times doing the warm ups I'll actually do some exercise!! But I do know how you feel. But, practice makes better! And I am with you on the getting below 200 lbs!! We can do it! Even if we DO blow down a few houses along the way!

 

[blue_eyes5212]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets worn out after doing
the warm up!!

 

[MickeySP]

I don't do step aerobics but I am the same I feel like the warm-up is as much exercise as my actual time on the TM.
I watch all these folks in really good shape and feel so out of place. Just keep going and believe me it gets easier.

 

[smilie]

I've been doing step for about a month now. A couple of years ago I belonged to a gym and was doing step there as well. It took awhile to get the hang of it. I still get confused when they introduce a new step. It's really hard to do the entire class, but the instructors are really encouraging. I try to push myself as much as I can (without overdoing it). The instructors always say if you can't keep up just keep moving (doing side-steps or marching in place). Don't stop moving, they said the trick is to keep your heartrate up. Then when you feel comfortable again, start back in with the steps. Just take it one day at a time. You'll get there. You've gotten through the first 3 days-that's saying something. A friend of mine stopped half-way through her first class. And remember to breathe. If you hold your breath (which I find myself doing sometimes) it really works against you, and you find yourself ready to pass out or be sick. Good Luck!

 

[lovinaz]

Congrats on making it to your class 3x already! I agree with the others - don't give up! Step is hard, especially if you are uncoordinated (I am! ) But I can guarantee that you will start to master it and in a couple weeks of going consistently, you will be amazed that you can not only get through the whole class, but also add more energy to your hops, etc.

You can do it!